Truck Driving

Truck Driving

The Truck Driving course prepares persons for entry-level employment in the industry. This course provides classroom instruction with emphasis on safety, rules, regulations, and techniques. Behind-the-wheel driving range activities, public street and highway driving are also included. Opportunities are available for students to meet with recruiters from the trucking industry. After completing 200 contact hours and earning the ELDT certification, students will take the Commercial Driver License driving examination at the Department of Public Safety as a post-course requirement. 200 contact hours.

Registration Requirements:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License with no outstanding unpaid citations;
• Valid Texas Class A Commercial Learner Permit;
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Report;
• Be able to pass a DOT physical, and drug & alcohol assessment (coordinated by VC).

NOTE:  If your driver's license is currently suspended, cancelled, or revoked in Texas or any other state, you are not eligible for a commercial driver's license. Information on additional DPS requirements may be found at https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/commerciallicense.htm.

Upcoming Classes (dates are subject to change):

For additional details, view the Truck Driving Information Sheet. 

Truck Driving

The Truck Driving course prepares persons for entry-level employment in the industry. This course provides classroom instruction with emphasis on safety, rules, regulations, and techniques. Behind-the-wheel driving range activities, public street and highway driving are also included. Opportunities are available for students to meet with recruiters from the trucking industry. After completing 100 contact hours and earning the ELDT certification, students will take the Commercial Driver License driving examination at the Department of Public Safety as a post-course requirement. 100 contact hours.

Registration Requirements:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License with no outstanding unpaid citations;
• Valid Texas Class B Commercial Learner Permit;
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Report;
• Be able to pass a DOT physical, and drug & alcohol assessment (coordinated by VC).

NOTE:  If your driver's license is currently suspended, cancelled, or revoked in Texas or any other state, you are not eligible for a commercial driver's license. Information on additional DPS requirements may be found at https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/commerciallicense.htm.

Upcoming Classes (dates are subject to change):

• Classes start October 6, 2025.  Schedule TBD.

For additional details, view the Truck Driving Information Sheet. 

Online registration is unavailable for this course.  Contact Mary Hardy at (361) 485-6830 or Mary.Hardy@VictoriaCollege.edu to complete the course requirements.

Prerequisite: 

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License with no outstanding unpaid citations;
• Valid Texas Class A Commercial Learner Permit (CLP);
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Report;
• Be able to pass a DOT physical, drug, and alcohol assessment (coordinated by VC)

• Students enrolling in the Class A CDL course will earn a Class A Commercial Driver License and be able to operate standard tractor/trailer combination vehicles.

• Students enrolling in the Class B CDL course will earn a Class B Commercial Driver License and be able to operate single vehicles such as dump trucks, box trucks, buses (must have a passenger endorsement), and other straight trucks.

How long is the training course and where is it offered? 

• Class A CDL course offers three flexible options:
  • Victoria - Full-time day class:  5 weeks
  • Victoria - Night/weekend class:  approximately 8 weeks
  • Gonzales - Part-time class:  approximately 11 weeks
• Class B CDL course will be offered only in Victoria as a full-time class.  The schedule will be announced soon.

Is tuition assistance available?  

• Class A CDL course:  Tandem axle sleeper tractors, retrofitted with three extra seats to hold a total of four students, with manual transmissions, and 53’ dry van trailers.
• Class B CDL course:  Straight truck with manual transmission and a flatbed

• https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/commercial-driver-license
• https://www.transportation.gov/trucking-and-motorcoaches

Curriculum Coordinator

Paul obtained a Commercial Driver License in 2010 and accumulated 8-years of experience as a CDL driver.  He became a CDL instructor in 2019 with Venture Logistics Inc. in Lafayette, IN and then moved to Texas where he continued teaching at Texas State Technical College in Rosenburg, TX for three years.  He also worked for Houston Community College (HCC) as an instructor at the Victoria College (VC) location until VC became its own training school.  Paul became Curriculum Coordinator for the Victoria College truck driving program in February of 2024 where he continues his passion of sharing his knowledge and experience with future professional drivers.

Commercial Truck Driving Instructor

Adam J. Daughtrey is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as an Air Traffic Control Instructor, training and mentoring sailors in high-pressure aviation environments where safety, precision, and communication were critical.

After his military service, Adam earned his Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) from Del Mar College. He brings over nine years of professional driving and logistics experience to the classroom. His career includes work with United Rentals, Performance Food Group, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), where he gained hands-on experience in equipment transport, supply chain logistics, and public infrastructure support.

Adam joined Victoria College’s Truck Driving Program in 2025. He is committed to preparing students for successful careers in the trucking industry and brings a strong background in safety, service, and operational excellence to his role as an instructor.

Commercial Truck Driving Instructor

Debra Haggerton attended Central Texas College in Killeen/Copperas Cove, TX.  She received Commercial Truck Driver training from CR England in Salt Lake City, Utah, and obtained a CDL in 1991. 

Debra gained 17 ½ years of CDL driver experience including owner-operator experience with her husband.  The pair traveled nationwide and accumulated 2.4 million accident-free miles transporting goods such as military explosives and air freight.  Debra became a CDL instructor for Houston Community College in 2022 teaching at the Victoria College location until VC became its own training school.  She became a driving instructor for VC in February of 2024.  She enjoys sharing her experiences of over-the-road truck driving with students.  She and her husband currently own ADW Truck Repair. 

Commercial Truck Driving Instructor

Jeffrey Murray attended Amarillo College in Amarillo, TX pursuing Medical Technology and studied commercial truck driving at American Institute of Technology in Phoenix, AZ.  He obtained a commercial driver license in 1993.  Jeffrey also served in the United States Navy.

Jeffrey accumulated over 30 years of over-the-road driving experience operating various equipment including flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated trailers.  He has vast knowledge and skills in proper loading, unloading, and securement of goods/equipment.  He also worked on the production side of the oil and gas industry.   

As a seasoned CDL driver, Jeffrey Murray brings strong transportation knowledge and abilities to the VC Truck Driving Program.  His desire is to help potential new drivers accomplish their educational and career goals.

Commercial Truck Driving Instructor

Rocky Pullin joins Victoria College’s Truck Driving Program with over 15 years of experience in truck driving and industrial maintenance. He has worked with companies like D Stewart Trucking and Imperative Chemical, hauling various loads, including hazardous materials, while adhering to DOT standards.

Rocky previously taught at Houston Community College, where he focused on driving skills, safety practices, and teamwork. He brings extensive knowledge in pre-trip inspections, truck maintenance, and safe driving practices. Rocky’s hands-on teaching style ensures students are well-prepared for their careers. He is committed to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed for success in the trucking industry.